Model Bus Zone News
July & August 2025
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Monday 11 August
Model Bus Federation July 2025 Journal Review.
Here's a rather delayed overview of the contents of the Model Bus Federation's monthly Model Bus Journal for July 2025.

This publication is solely dedicated to model bus news & other related articles with a focus on the UK.
If the contents below are of interest, you may wish to consider becoming a member of the MBF, the annual subscription starts at £29.00 with special reduced rates available for younger members aged 14-18.
For further details please visit the https://www.model-bus-federation.org.uk.
Back issues of the Journals are also available to members where stock permits.

The Model Bus Journal - Issue 651 July 2025 Sottish Show Results - 32 pages - ISSN 0953-435

  • Diary & Events - Upcoming MBF members only area meetings & net forum.
  • Shows & Exhibitions - MBF Events & other public events
    Sat/Sun 16/17th August 1000-1700 - Model Tram, Bus & Railway Exhibition. The National Tram Museum Crich Tramway Village, Crich, Derbyshire DE4 5DP Adults & Concessions £25.00 Children £15.00, Family £55.00. 10 Layouts & tram rides.
  • Editorial
  • Cover Story - A Scania N ADL Enviro400 MMC in the Wardonian Fleet of Stephen. Note the longer rear overhang of the Scania compared to the Northcord ADL diecast version
  • 3 Peaks Barton VAL / Yeates by Martin - Martin shares his experience of building this 1:76 scale 3D printed resin kit produced by Three Peaks Models they offer a growing range of bus & coach kits in various scales from 1:50 to N.
  • Red Rover at ASDA by Paul Coley - Paul operates a fictional fleet, Red Rover Buses, and in addition to his smart model fleet, he has also created a full timetable & produces a number of route maps showing his town & country services. Although all of these are clearly marked fictional on his website, he was somewhat surprised to find one of his maps covering Aylesbury area on display outside his local Asda Supermarket!
  • Product News UK - New resin kit C/12, a Leyland Tiger Duple Laser MkI C53F 11 metre coach from PSG Models.
  • E42 Bus to Hong King International by Paul Tattam - A review of the 1:64 scale tri-axle Long Win Bus Co Dennis Trident III on Hong Kong Airport service E42 produced 80M Bus Models and an overview of the route.
  • London Trams by John Wood - A selection of photographs showing some of the Trams models John has made along with some modeling tips.
  • Over To You - Are spare parts available for the Budgie Toys Routemaster & Midland Red coach models?
  • Isle of Marnay Transport - Fantasy Island? by Tony Newbould - A detailed look at the fleet & operations of this fictional fleet that contained 30-40 medium sized buses.
  • Journal Distribution Update - An update on the switch to the Printers now packing & posting out the monthly Journals.
  • New Membership Rates - Annual subscriptions for the Journal for UK & Overseas member's to increase from August.
  • Plan of the Month by Martin Jarvis - this month's 4mm scale plans are for a 1968 Birmingham City Transport Daimler Fleetline / Park Royal H43/34F.
  • Area News - Ten pages of reports & 70 colour model photographs covering recent MBF meetings in the North Midlands, London, East Anglia, Dorset - New Forest, South Wales & Herefordshire, East Midlands, & North Wales - Cheshire areas.
  • MBF Shop - The MBF Streetscene,& Paragon range of white metal/resin parts & accessories, plus the MBF Streetscene 2K resin model kits that are exclusively available to MBF members.
  • MBF Streetscene White metal Bus & Coach Kits - The former ABS white metal bus kits added to the MBF Streetscene range. These are available exclusively to members at low cost (from £10.00 to £35.00 - see the MBF page for a list of these model kits)

Sunday 10 August
Transport Nostalgia Announces Pre-order Date For Two Northcord Commissions
Transport Nostalgia has announced pre-orders for the forthcoming Stagecoach East Midlands Ride with Pride ADL Enviro400 MMC Commissioned models UKBUS088 & UKBUS0088A will open on Friday 15 August at 10am (BST) via their website at https://www.transportnostalgia.co.uk/s-projects-side-by-side.

There are two versions of the Ride with Pride model, both depict vehicle SN18 KTE (10971), the standard issue UKBUS0088 version is a limited edition of 504 pieces and is priced £74.99, it has destination Route 1 to Woodhouse via Sutton Bus Station. Includes a special extra surprise for all buyers, revealed upon delivery.

The second version UKBUS088A, carries Stagecoach “We’ve got you”” destination, it is limited to just 108 pieces and priced £84.99.


Both versions will supplied in bespoke packaging. It not been confirmed yet when the models are expected to be released,



Wednesday 6 August & updated 10 August
Bachmann Europe Autumn Product Announcement
Bachmann issued their British Railways Autumn Announcement this morning.
This mainly covers their railway products, but also includes the EFE Road & Rail ranges.

The four EFE Road RML models previously announced in July are confirmed as the only EFE releases for the Autumn quarter, although a further EFE Road Announcement is due on the 16th August at a Scottish Bus Museum event. the three standard issue models E42302-4 along with more precise release window are not at the time of posting listed on the Bachmann site.

Update 10 August
The three standard issue RML models E42302-4 have now been added to the EFE Road product section of the Bachmann website & are currently expected to be released during August or September 25.

The London Bus Museum Shop website still hasn't to my knowledge posted any details about its upcoming commissioned model pf their preserved RML2760, E42306Z.

Regarding the Summer EFE Road releases, the four Leyland Titan models E28830/1//3/7, were added to Bachmann's “Arrivals expected in the next 30 days” page towards the end of July, so its looks likely these will be available in the UK, late August or early September.
The re-issue of the EFE Road Art-Deco Bus Garage E99660, announced in the Spring, has slipped back to Sep/Oct 25

Moving onto EFE Rail, there were two new models in today's announcement, these consist of further pair of issues of the OO scale NAA Propelling Control Vehicle:

E86019 EWS 95301 - NAA Propelling Control Vehicle - Due Aug/Sept 25


E86040 Rail Express Systems 94331 (Royal Mail) - NAA Propelling Control Vehicle - Due Aug/Sept 25

A preview of all the new Bachmann products has been posted on YouTube & while full details can be found on the Bachmann Website.

Wednesday 6 August & Updated 11 August
Northcord Models Press Release: UKBUS6207A Greater Manchester Transport
Latest press release issued by Northcord Models covers the upcoming Alexander Dennis Enviro400 UYKBUS6207A. This model is expected to be released in the UK in Sepetember.

NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY - PRESS RELEASE

ukbus 6207A Alexander Dennis Enviro400
Greater Manchester Transport

Northcord Model Company is proud to release its fifth model of the ukbus 6200 range on the former CMNL long wheelbase Enviro400 tooling. This is ukbus 6207A, carrying the livery of Greater Manchester Transport.

ukbus 6207A represents Stagecoach Manchester 19470 (MX58 VBL) on route 201 to Hattersley with ‘via Ardwick’ carried in the front destination.


19470 was new to Stagecoach in 2008. It had received heritage Greater Manchester Transport livery of orange and white with brown skirt to commemorate 200 years of buses in Greater Manchester and 50 since Greater Manchester PTE succeeded Selnec PTE. Its first use after repainting was on 8th June 2024 on Parklife event shuttles to Heaton Park.

Reregulation of bus service in Greater Manchester was completed on 5th January 2025 with the rollout of the third tranche of franchising. Stagecoach continues to operate as a provider within the fully-franchised Greater Manchester bus system, taking on the yellow livery of the Bee Network. Alongside buses in other commemorative liveries, 19470 was used on 4th January 2025 from Hyde Road depot in the hours leading to the handover, and thereafter became a training vehicle based at Little Hulton then.

19470 carries full Greater Manchester Transport livery, including Big ‘M’ with ‘Greater Manchester Transport’ wordings on both sides, and ‘19470 HE’ on the front and the rear.


ukbus 6207A features excellent detailing, inside and out, such as realistic-looking handpoles and handrails. The Enviro400 model is a one-piece casting whose clean lines accentuate the windows and livery application on which all logos and lettering are clearly legible.

Another main feature on the ukbus 6207A model is its dual individual tree protectors at the front. The front dome on the model is significant, with its curved windscreens on both upper and lower deck. The headlights at the front are made of individual components to look more realistic.

The brand new UKBUS6207A bus models will be distributed by John Ayrey Die-Casts Limited (UK), Porte Publishing Company (Japan), 80M Bus Model Shop (Hong Kong) respectively. The UKBUS6207A is based on a Limited Edition of only 1200 pieces produced.

Northcord Model Company (NMC)
------The World’s Miniature Bus Co.

Update 11 August
I've been informed that the UK Northcord Distributor, trade wholesaler John Ayrey Diecasts has already pre-sold out of this model.

Sunday 3 August
Model Buses Creations Announce Two New Northcord Commissions
Model Buses Ctreations has issued the following press release.

Model Buses Creations Product Announcement & Pre Order date

UKBUS 0082
First Classic Facelift E400 Release
Model Buses Creations Production Update - August 2025

Hello,
We are excited to share with you pre production sample images of our upcoming Arriva Enviro 400 Classic Facelift model. The sample is currently being reviewed by both the MBC team and Arriva, once approved we will be moving to production and delivery is expected to take place late Q3 early Q4 of 2025. We are pleased to confirm this will be the first production model to feature the facelift design which has been developed by Northcord Model Company and was first seen on our Pre Production samples of Ukbus 0070/0071/0072.


Vehicle - Enviro 400 Classic Facelift
Operator - Arriva Kent & Surrey
Livery - New Arriva Standard livery
Route - 700 Bluewater
Fleet Number - 6483
Reg - SN15 LNP
Units - 504

This models will continue to feature our custom design boxes and certificates.

We would like to thank our partners at Arriva Kent and Surrey for supporting us with this model.

Model Buses Creations Surprise Update - August 2025

We have been working away in the background on a little something extra to add into our 2025 model range. In the past we have made small runs of plain white and red vehicles, which have always proven popular. We have decided to add some plain dealer white Enviro 400 classic facelifts into our range, which will arrive at the same time as our Arriva Enviro 400 ukbus 0082.

Please see the Samples Attached shows the details that will feature on this model. Plain white bodywork, white light surrounds and Arriva specification interior. Please note the sample doesn’t show the facelift design but the models will have facelift bumper and lights.


Vehicle - Enviro 400 Classic Facelift
Operator - N/A
Livery - Dealer White
Route - N/A
Fleet Number - N/A
Reg - N/A
Units - 204
Code - ukbus 0082A

Final Prices will be added when Shipping Confirmed : Pre orders will be available for both of these Exclusive MBC Productions on Wednesday 6th August at 12:00pm.

Please keep following us on Facebook, Instagram TikTok and on our website at https://www.modelbus.uk/

Many Thanks
Iwan and the MBC team.

Sunday 3 August & updated 10 August
Northcord Models Production Update & Five New Models Announcements
Northcord Models has issued the following update on the production schedule for previously announced models & details of three new future models.

NORTHCORD MODEL COMPANY -
Production update

Herewith we itemise an update on likely release dates and status for previously announced models in the ukbus 1500, ukbus 6200 , ukbus 6500 and ukbus 9500 range. In addition, new future releases are announced.

Production delays due to shortage of appropriate labour in all factories in southern China continue to affect many manufacturers and it is appropriate that NMC should advise you accordingly.

Furthermore, deliveries are experiencing delays worldwide because of a war in Europe and the Middle East conflict that have each impacted shipping badly.

ukbus 1500 Range (Alexander ALX400-bodied Dennis Trident / Volvo B7TL)
iebus 0008 - Dublin City Tour (AV93 – 00-D-40093) : production will be concluded by mid-October 2025.

ukbus 6200 Range (Alexander Dennis Enviro400)
ukbus 6206 - Reading Buses Green Line 703 (1208 – GO11 LDN) : models are now available in the UK.
ukbus 6207A - Greater Manchester Transport (19470 – MX58 VBL) : models will soon depart for the UK.
ukbus 6207B - GMS Buses (19532 – MX09 KTT) : production will be concluded by early September 2025.
ukbus 6208 - Stagecoach East Scotland (19178 – MX57 LCC) : production will be concluded by early October 2025.


ukbus 6209 - Reading Buses (1208 – RG05 BUS) : pre-production samples will be prepared with an anticipated production slot being available by mid-December 2025.

ukbus 6500 Range (ADL Enviro400 MMC>
ukbus 0074 - Reading Buses Green Line (782 – SN66 WRD) : models are now available in the UK.
ukbus 6535 - Hampshire Bus (10700 – YEL 4T) : models are now available in the UK.
ukbus 6536 - McGill’s Midland Bluebird Unilink (8937 – SN65 CVL) : models are now available in the UK.
ukbus 6537 - Stagecoach South Coastliner (11600 – YX23 ORG) : models are now available in the UK.
ukbus 6538 - Bee Network (11852 – YX24 PKN) : models are now available in the UK.
ukbus 6539 - Stagecoach London Ambassador (12400 – YX16 OHS) : models are now available in the UK.
ukbus 6540 - East Yorkshire (921 – YX69 HMZ) : models are now on the way to the UK.
ukbus 6541 - Xplore Dundee (8905 – SN69 ZNV) : models are now on the way to the UK.
ukbus 6542 - Newcastle Busways (10646 – SN66 WKB) : production will be concluded by early September 2025.
ukbus 6543 - Brighton & Hove Coaster (712 – YY73 TLF) : production will be concluded by early October 2025.


ukbus 6544 - Stagecoach Yorkshire (11716 – YX73 PFJ) : pre-production samples will be prepared with an anticipated production slot being available by early January 2026.

ukbus 9500 Range (Scania OmniCity Double Decker)


ukbus 9503 - Metrobus (6958 – YP09 HWD) : production will be concluded by mid-August:

Northcord Model Company (NMC)
------The World’s Miniature Bus Co…

Update 10 August
I've been informed the trade wholesale price for the five newly announced models has increased by 5.89%, however the official UK RRP remains unchanged at £69.99, suggesting model retailers are being expected to absorb an increase of just over £4.00 per model!


Wednesday 30 July
Another Dublin Bus Alexander Dennis Enviro 500 Model Announced
Transport Nostalgia has issued details of two future Northcord model commissions.


TRANSPORT NOSTALGIA COMMISSIONS ANNOUNCEMENT

We are delighted to unveil two exciting new additions to the Transport Nostalgia Commissions range – each celebrating a distinctive livery and route from the Stagecoach network:

---------------

Upcoming Releases:



Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire
Alexander Dennis Enviro400
Fleet No: 10030 – PX12 DNU
Livery: Ribble Heritage (Red & Cream)
Route: 42 – Blackpool via Poulton-le-Fylde



Stagecoach East
Alexander Dennis Enviro400MMC
Fleet No: 10874 – YX67 VDL
Livery: Long Distance Yellow
Route: MK1 – Luton Airport to Milton Keynes

---------------

Collector Details:
• Both models will be strictly limited to 504 pieces
• Includes custom presentation packaging
• Supplied with individually numbered certificates of authenticity
Livery diagrams and draft packaging concepts are available to view below


---------------

Availability:
We are currently awaiting UKBUS release codes for both models. These will be shared as soon as they are confirmed. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest updates.

---------------

Limited Stock Alert!
Numbers are getting low for two of our previous releases:
• Stagecoach East Midlands Pronto ADL Enviro400MMC
• Stagecoach East Scotland Strathtay ADL Enviro400MMC
To secure yours, pre-order today via the link below:
https://www.transportnostalgia.co.uk/s-projects-side-by-side
---------------

Last but not least, I’d like to thank all of you for your support so far.
Many Thanks, Adam
Transport Nostalgia Commissions
Driven by Detail. Inspired by you


Wednesday 30 July
Another Dublin Bus Alexander Dennis Enviro 500 Model Announced
Model Buses Creations has issued the following Press Release via their Facebook page.


Model Buses Creations, MBC, and Brian Collins Enterprises, BCE, are pleased to announce their next joint venture model release to celebrate 100 years of Dublin Bus! After working together for many years, BCE have managed the international sales for MBC, developing a wide range of product release promotions and sales exclusively serving MBC's international customers. BCE has commissioned and released a wide range of service and public transport vehicles for the Irish market. More recently MBC and BCE joined forces to release two stunning Enviro 500 models with our production partner 80M in Hong Kong. The first two models MBC/BCE-IE001 (Dublin livery) and MBC/BCE-IE002 (Dealer white) were extremely popular, with models selling in large numbers within the first few hours and in some cases stock selling out.

After the successful release of the first two models, MBC/BCE are pleased to announce the next Enviro 500 release to celebrate 100 years of Dublin Bus. MBC/BCE-IE003 is the logical next release and has been requested so many times, we just had to make it!



Vehicle - Alexander Dennis Enviro 500
Operator - Dublin Bus
Livery - TFI Dublin Bus
Route - 39A UCD Belfield Via N3 Bypass
Fleet Number - VT36
Reg - 07-D-70036
Units - 1000
Code - MBC/BCE-IE003

As per the previous release each model will be packaged in a new style display case. Included will be a grass style verge, road layout and scale bus stop. Also included will be our high quality packaging and limited edition certificate. These models will continue to feature a QR code on each box. Once scanned, the buyer will be taken to the MBC Production Suite, where facts and details about the bus and future releases will be displayed and discussed. The online content will be designed to give facts and information to accompany the purchase.

Please keep following MBC and BCE on social media for more details on this exciting new model expected Q4 2025 or early 2026.
We will announce our Pre Order date soon.

The MBC Enviro200 releases are still on target for the end of August.

Samples for the Arriva Enviro400 Facelift are expected next week and a Pre Order Announcement for this release and a surprise addition to our Enviro 400 Facelift schedule will also be announced at this time.

https://www.modelbus.uk/ & https://briancollinsenterprises.ie/

Many Thanks
Iwan Jones, Mark Oakley and Brian Collins
MBC/BCE

Sunday 27 July
Saltire Models Wright Handy Bus Kit
Siltire Moels has opened pre-orders for a new 1:76 scale kit of a Wright Handy Bus that is similar to those operated by Arriva Scotland. The kit includes body, chassis, 4 wheels & pop in glazing and is priced £48.00 plus delivery. The kit is currently expected to be released in the second half of September.


SM14 Wright Handy Bus Kit (pre-production sample illustrated)

The following kit is now in stock & priced £43.50 plus delivery:

SM12 Optare slimline 7.1 Metre Kit

You can find a full list of current & upcoming Saltire kits on the dedecated Saltire Kits page along with contact details.

Sunday 27 July
Latest Releases From Omnidekka Models
Omnidekka Models has released two new models this month.

First of two new 1:76 scale Omnidekka releases is a First Bluebird Scania Omnidekka double decker, this depicts 36023 (SN05 HWD) in First corporate livery with “First” fleet names. The model has side adverts for Trainline & Prostate CareUk. Two route options are available, 324 Dollar The Ness or X6 Haymarket Limited Stop.
The ES22 models are priced £50.00 each and are supplied in bespoke packaging. Orders can be placed on the Omnidekka Models online store.


ES22 - First Bluebird 36023 SN05 HWD Route 324 or X6 - Scania Omnidekka Double Deck Bus (Britbus Tooling)

The second release for July is Omnidekka's second release of their Enviro200 MMC in a operator specific livery. MMC2 depicts vehicle YW68 PCX and carries the blue & pink livery of Edwards Coaches Ltd of Llantrisant. The model has branding for the operator's service 90 between Beddau & Pontypridd. Two destination are available, either Edward Coaches or 90 Gwaunmiskin
The models have been produced for Edwards Coaches to mark the operators centenary and are priced £65.00 each plus postage. They are supplied in a plastic display case with bespoke card outer packaging.
These can be ordered from the Edwards Coaches Website or by phoning the company on 01443 202048 during office hours.
Edswards Coaches didn't take all stock of models produced & a small quantity are available directly from Omnidekka Models for £55.00 plus postage.


MMC2 - Edward Coaches - Enviro200 MMC Single Deck Bus (Omnidekka Models Tooling)

Other recent releases are MMC_white, an unregistered Enviro200 MMC in dealer white livery, £55.00, & ES17C a third version of the Scania Omnidekka in Blustar livery with Hedge End 24 destinations, £50.00.
Future planned models expected in 2025/6 are OM4 a Go Ahead North East Optare SR (3 route options), £50.00, and Enviro200 MMCs: MMC3 Plymouth Citybus & MMC5A a John Leask & Sons.

A selection of earlier Omnidekka releases are also still available, full details can be found at www.ommnidekkamodels.co.uk.

Sunday 27 July
Northcord Models Stagecoach London Ambassador Model Released in UK
The following Northcord model has now arrived in the UK and should be with model retailers this coming week.


UKBUS6539
Stagecoach London (Ambassador livery) ADL Enviro400 MMC Double Deck Bus


Sunday 27 July
Model 1 To Produced White UK Optare SR Demonstrator
Model 1 has announced a further UK version of their 1:76 scale Optare Solo SR model, 63895 will feature UK vehicle YJ67 GEK in white demonstrator livery on Metroline Travel's H3 route.


63895
UK Demonstrator YJ67 GEK (Route H3 East Finchley) - Optare Solo SR Midibus


Saturday 19 July
TTC Diecast Offering IXO 1:12 Scale Routemaster Kit To UK Customers
IXO Collections are about to release another version of the former Hatchette & Agora Models 1:12 scale Routemaster kit. The latest incarnation of this kit has the same vehicle & route as the previous releases, RM857 on route 11, and like the earlier versions includes lighting and sound features.

The original Hatchette version included figurines of passengers & crew, that were not included with the otherwise identical Agora Models & IXO versions.
The Agora website states that their version is to be retired from their range soon, & they are currently offering the full kit for £1,299.





The IXO Collections version appears to be the same kit, but with different side advert stickers, currently IXO are taking pre-orders with release expected in mid July. However TTC Diecast are currently offering UK customers the chance to pre-order for £956.00, which I believe is the probably lowest ever price for this kit. The UK RRP will normally be £1,124.99.

After market internal & external adverts are available for these kits, if those supplied are not to your liking.
The metal & plastic kit builds into an impressive and very large model, all parts come pre-painted/coloured & basically all screw together. There's room for further detailing should you desire and some hacks to improve the lighting options, such as modifying the indicators to work properly rather than acting just as hazard warning lights.

From personal experience, wth the kit 80% done, it has been an enjoyable build so far, and apart from a few tricky stages during the engine assembly has gone together fairly easily. Be warned there are hundreds of tiny screws of various sizes!



The IXO version is supplied with a step by step printed assembly guide. PDF assembly guides can be viewed on the Agora Models site, and a series of video guides by World of Wayne can be found on YouTube, if you'd like a preview of the assembly process.


My only slight disappointment with the model, was the positioning of rear off-side indicator on the curved corner panel, this is incorrect for 1960s period vehicle depicted, and should have correctly been positioned within the panel below the platform rear window.

If you have the funds & room, this is the ultimate Routemaster model for any fan of this iconic London Bus.


Wednesday 9 July
Model Buses Creation - Development Update UKBUS0083
Model Buses Creations has issued the following update regarding their upcoming commissioned Go Ahead London Superloop SL6 ADL Enviro400 MMC model UKBUS0083.

A text version can be found below for non Facebook members.

Model Buses Creations July 2025 Production Update and Announcement

We have been working hard over the last couple of months with our MBC Enviro 200 models, but we haven't forgotten about the Northcord Enviro 400 MMC releases for 2025. The first of which is the Superloop SL6 operated by Go Ahead London. We have been working with Transport for London, to make sure all the details are correct and this model will be fully licensed by TfL.

We are excited to share the finalised design cell, which has been approved by TfL. The next stage will be the pre production samples which we expect to arrive soon. We are expecting this model to be extremely popular as this will be the first Superloop model in a series of various Superloop Vehicles we will be releasing in the coming months.

Vehicle - Enviro 400 MMC
Operator - Go Ahead London
Livery - Superloop TFL
Route - SL6 Russell Square
Fleet Number - EH213
Reg - YY67 UTN
Units - 504
Expected Release Autumn 25

Please keep following us on Facebook, Instagram Tik Tok and on our website at https://www.modelbus.uk/
Samples of our Arriva Enviro 400 Facelift will be shared soon

thank you
Iwan Jones
MBC Productions MODELBUS.uk




Monday 7 July
Northcord Models Xplore Dundee Model Released in UK
The following Northcord model has now arrived in the UK and should be with model retailers later this week.


UKBUS6541
Xplore Dundee ADL Enviro400 MMC Double Deck Bus


Monday 7 July
Oxford Diecast Announcement Model Release Schedule Update
The new July-December 2025 Oxford Diecast Catalogue has now been published and is available to view & download on the Oxford Diecast Website.
It contains all the latest models announced on Thursday with estimated release windows for each, it also has revised dates for the model announced in January, which have be delayed will Oxford completed the split from Hornby Hobbies.

Below are the updated expected release dates for all the outstanding Oxford bus & coach models announced since January.

1:76 Scale Models

76AMT005 Highland Scottish (Highland Omnibus Ltd) (L50 / GSO 534N - route 557 Inverness) - Alexander M Type Coach - Expected Q4/25


76AMT006 Alexander M Type - Alexander Fife (Red/Cream livery) - Expected Q4/25


76DCM001 Duple Commander IV Coach - Southdown 1807 (RUF 807H) - Expected Q2/26


76OWB015 John Smiths Brewery, Tadcaster (DWD 973 - Destination: John Smiths (Boston Spa slipboard))- Bedford OWB Utility Bus - Expected Q4/25

N Scale

NOB012 Connemara Bus (1 / ZV 1460 - Destination: On Tour) - Bedford OB Duple Vista Coach - Expected Q3/25


NRTL005 London Transport (RTL 139 / KGK 803 - Central Area route 11 Victoria) - Leyland RTL Class Double Deck Bus - Expected Q4/25

TT 1:120 Scale

120RM002 London Transport (RM2191 / CUV 191C - route 9 Mortlake Garage) Shillibeer Omnibus livery - AEC Routemaster Bus - Expected Q4/25

1:87(HO) Scale

87FC64002 Central School Bus 12 - Ford Country Station Wagon - Expected Q4/25


Saturday 5 July
EFE Road Announce Four New RML Routemaster Models For Autumn 2025
Bachmann have this morning announced their next batch of EFE Road models for the Autumn release quarter.
The following Press Release, YouTube video, and pre-production sample photographs of three of the models were also issued.




The YouTube video below concludes with a rather strong hint regarding the previously announced Clydeside Scottish Oor Wullie's Special model (E42301), there will be a bonus EFE Road announcement on the Saturday 16 August at the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum's Open Weekend event, about “something rather special”.

The video also contains images of the London Bus Museum commission model and gives a brief update on the Northern Counties Palatine double deck bus model development, including news it has been tweaked to allow more vehicle variations.
The CAD images shown, would appear to confirm the three single door models previously announced, will be joined by future dual door variants.




E42302 – AEC Routemaster RML2738 London Buses, Route 15A Upton Park
This model depicts RML2738 {SMK738F), a 1967-built example that started its London Transport career at Hanwell.
In May 1985 it was selected to work Route 15 and 15A via Oxford Street, Bank and the Tower of London, and as such received a special livery with a yellow roof band and Route 15 advertising.
It is in this condition that we have presented our model, complete with an Upton Park destination.


E42303 – AEC Routemaster RML2270 London Transport, Special Railway Service
Our model depicts RML2270 (CUV270C), which originally entered London Transport service in November 1965.
It is presented in its 1978 condition as allocated to New Cross garage, with solid LT roundels, and working a Special Railway Service linking Waterloo with Paddington, King’s Cross and St Pancras.


E42304 – AEC Routemaster RCL2256 Southend Transport 121, Service 1
Registration CUV256C actually started life as a Green Line RCL coach in June 1965, complete with twin headlights and rear platform doors.
As RCL2256 it was converted to a bus layout by London Transport in 1980, and received an RM type platform following an accident that same year.
The model depicts this unusual hybrid in its circa 1991 guise as working for Southend Transport on Service 1 to Southend Central Bus Station.


E42306Z – AEC Routemaster RML2760 London Transport, Route 462 Brooklands
This model is of the final RML to be built – RML2760 - in its current preserved condition with London Bus Museum advertising, and working on Route 462 with a Brooklands destination.
The model features bespoke packaging, and will be available from the London Bus Museum’s shop, or via its online outlet.
More information about this model will be published on londonbusmuseum.com site in due course. At the time of posting this news item, there wasn't any reference to the model on the Museum's site. I'll keep an eye on the site & post an update when that changes.

Friday 4 July
July -December Oxford Diecast Announcement
Oxford Diecast has revealed its model development plans for the period July to December 2025 via their YouTube channel. see video below.
A four page PDF catalogue detailing all the new colours & ten new toolings, among which is a new Duple coach for the 1:76 range, can be foundHERE.



A brief summary of the new products:

1:76 Scale New Toolings (7)

76DCM001 Duple Commander IV Coach - Southdown 1807 (RUF 807H) - Photo of real coach on flickr.

76DB5001 Aston Martin DB5 (Silver Birch)
76DSL001 DAF Skip Lorry (white)
76SK001 Skip 2-pack (Yellow) / 76SK002 Skip 2-pack (Rusty Brown)
76FC4001 Ford Cortina Mk4 )Venetian Red)
76LRS001 Land Rover Stage One V8 (Inca Yellow)
76SA001 Sunbeam Alpine Series 2 Open (Wedgewood Blue)

1:76 New Colours for PCV models

76AMT006 Alexander M Type - Alexander Fife (Red/Cream livery) - Photo of one of the real vehicles on flickr.
Eloise also mentions in the that a new contempory coach tooling is in development.

1:76 Scale Models New Colours Overview
There are 23 new colours for existing Automobile range models, Showtime has two new traction engine & a blue/cream version of the showman's caravan. In addition to the new skip lorry the commercial range also has four new model liveries.
The Emergency range features 10 new colours while Haulage gets four new truck liveries & a further release of the Dennis Eagle refuse truck. Construction & Military each get one new colour variant.

New N scale Tooling (3)
NDE001 Dennis Eagle Refuse Truck - Biffa
NVOL09REC Volvo Recovery Truck - Crouch Recovery
NVEO001 Volvo FL Emergency One - West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue

N Scale Models New Colours Overview
Sadly no bus or coach models this time.
There are three new truck colours for the Haulage range, four new liveries for Commercial range, two new colours for VW T2 in the Automobile range & one new livery for both the Military & Emergency ranges.

1:43 Scale Models New Colours Overview
Just four new colours, 3 for the Automobile range & one for the Military range.

1:87(HO) Scale Models New Colours Overview
There are seven new colours for existing models in the range & a new Pontiac 3 model Centenary set
One of the new colours is bus related.

87FC64002 Central School Bus 12 - Ford Country Station Wagon

1:72 Aviation
Four new colour schemes for existing models in this range.

TT Scale (1:120)
There is no new tooling or new colours for existing models in this announcement.


 June 2025  Model Bus Zone News Index August 2025